The 24-year-old will swap his M-Sport Poland Ford Fiesta Rally3 for a Rally2-specification Hyundai i20 N at the penultimate round of the FIA World Rally Championship, which takes place on fast circuit-like asphalt roads in the Costa Daurada hills.
Creighton’s entry into the Spanish fixture is a prize drive courtesy of the British Rally Championship and Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing, awarded for his title-winning 2021 Junior BRC season.
The i20 is prepared by PCRS Rallysport, which also runs a similar car for fellow Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy team member Josh McErlean.
“I don’t think this has quite sunk in yet,” Creighton said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to drive a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 with the PCRS Rallysport team who will be fielding other Irish drivers, so I think we will feel right at home.
“Whilst I’ve only done a few small rallies in R5 machinery, I think that my experience in the Junior WRC at Rally3 level should mean the transition isn’t too much of a leap. I’ve always felt comfortable on asphalt and Spain is such an amazing rally to contest.
“Hopefully, we can get into a good rhythm, work on our pace as the rally progresses and, more importantly, enjoy it. These opportunities don’t come up too often and may never do again,” he added.
Hyundai Motorsport deputy team director Julien Moncet explained that his team is keen to nurture the next generation of talent and will be watching the times closely.
“Supporting young talented drivers and crews to progress their motorsport careers is an important part of our role as a team,” he said.
“William’s entry into RallyRACC – Rally de España is another part of this as we continue our partnership with the British Rally Championship to reward the best young talent in the series.
“In his performances in the BRC and Junior WRC, William has shown he has great ability as a driver. Though the step-up to the i20 N Rally2 will be new to him, I believe we can look forward to a strong event.”
